Vol.XIX No.VI Pg.8
August 1982

Stuff About Things

Robert F. Turner

Perhaps I learned this from my mother, although I am not sure just when or how. Some people want to "be somebody" — and some just want to be treated like "somebody" — and there is a difference. For the later, one must pat people on the back, be seen with the right people, buy a big car, cultivate a superior air. With a bit of luck some people may think you are "somebody", and may seat you at the head table. If they call on you for a speech you can fake it with a few big words like "sacerdotalism".

But to "be somebody thats a horse of a different color. First you have to figure out what or who "somebody" really is. The world is kinda confused on this point, and is not much help. Most of the world has never understood how you can get up by getting down (Matt. 20:25-28), or die in order to live (10:39). And the one who is somebody is not going to tell you about it. He's too busy being somebody to talk about it, or to be much concerned what folk think about it. In fact, he may not know he is somebody; or knowing, is scared of it. People who are somebody have a grave sense of responsibility. Best I can tell, by just watching and thinking, anybody can be somebody if they are more interested in the process than they are in the product. Seems like those who are somebody couldn't care less about being somebody; but every one of them is plum sold on doing what it takes to be somebody. They are content with their place in life, without being too lazy to move up when the opening comes. They carefully prepare themselves for service, cultivating their talents and correcting their faults. And they are so interested in using themselves they never try to use others.

They are honest, with you and with themselves; humbled before God and considerate of their fellowmen. They are parents, domestics, professionals, ranch hands, teachers, bank clerks — giving their best, whatever that may be. They carry no chip if you forget their names, but you count it a privilege to know them. Some of them will have monuments of stone or bronze, but all will leave an indelible mark for good on civilization. No telling what could be done if we were less interested in acting like somebody, and got around to being somebody.